Gesta knocks out Mexican fighter

By Rommel Conclara, ABS-CBN News North America

SAN FRANCISCO, California -- Mercito "No Mercy" Gesta defeated Mexican fighter Luis Arceo at the Longshoremans Hall in San Francisco after the ringside doctor stopped the fight after the seventh round.

The doctor felt Arceo had received too much punishment, and informed the referee to stop the fight after the seventh round for the scheduled 10-round battle.

Gesta was the stronger and more effective fighter right from the opening bell, countering majority of Arceo's punches and switching from an orthodox and southpaw stance throughout the fight.

Gesta said he will continue to improve and is comfortable fighting in the weight class.

"I'm not gonna stop here. I'm going to add more techniques and improve, but I'm satisfied," said Gesta.

"Right now, our plan is to stay at 135 (pounds) for now, but in this fight I went up to 138 because it's not a title fight," he added. "But I think its easy for me to go to 135. I can still get it."

Gesta's mother, Mercedes Gesta, was obviously concerned but was confident that the father-and-son team could get the job done.

"I was nervous, but I believed in my son. His father is great at teaching our son and gives him great technique. And that is why he is great," said Mercedes.

Gesta's father and trainer knew that the fight was not going to last the distance. "That was our game plan. Before 10 rounds, we will knock him out," he said.

Gesta expressed his thanks for the Filipinos who cheered him on in the fight.

"Thank you so much for all the support and keep believing. Please keep supporting our Filipino fighters, not just me but for those fighters who are coming up," said Gesta.

Gesta is hoping that this victory will bring him closer to another shot at a world title.